Christmas markets in Portsmouth: 2026 dates, rink and craft fairs

Portsmouth is a naval city on Portsea Island in Hampshire, and its Christmas offer is more modest than a German-style market town but more varied than it first looks. There is one main market, a few craft fairs run by local makers, an open-air ice rink and a Victorian festival at the Historic Dockyard. If you are searching for christmas markets in portsmouth, expect a mix of small events rather than one huge spectacle, and plan your visit around that.

Trains from London Waterloo take about 1 hour 35 minutes to Portsmouth and Southsea station, which sits close to the main market on Commercial Road. That makes a day trip from London realistic. Dates for a few events are still unconfirmed for 2026, so I have flagged those clearly below. Check the council’s site before you travel.

1 Portsmouth Christmas Market, Commercial Road

The main market is listed as running from 20 November to 24 December 2026, closed on Christmas Day. The listing I found is not the official one. Another snapshot of the same site describes the dates as expected, and the council’s wording says the openings run from 20 to 22 November. Treat the dates as likely, not certain, and check portsmouth.gov.uk for the final dates.

It opens from 10am to 6pm daily and entry is free. The stalls are on Commercial Road, a few minutes from Portsmouth and Southsea station, and extra traders join on Thursdays to Saturdays. The lights switch-on party is on Friday 20 November from 5pm to 7pm, with Cosham on 18 November and Southsea on 19 November. The switch-on sometimes moves indoors to the Cascades Shopping Centre because of wind, so look at the forecast before you set off.

The draw is simple: bratwurst, glühwein and street food. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, though few gluten-free ones. Parking is limited, so go by public transport. This is a market for an easy afternoon, a bite and a drink, not for a full day of shopping.

2 Portsmouth on Ice, Guildhall Square

Portsmouth on Ice runs from 21 November to 3 January, although one listing says 4 January. It is an open-air rink next to the Guildhall in Guildhall Square. Opening hours and entry details are not stated, so check ahead for ticket prices and session times.

An outdoor rink in front of a civic building is a classic winter picture, and it adds something to the day that the Commercial Road stalls do not. I would pair it with the market, as the two are in the same city centre and make a natural day out for families and couples.

3 Love Southsea Market, Palmerston Road

Love Southsea Market is on Palmerston Road in Southsea, and sells local makers’ and artists’ work. Dates are uncertain. One listing gives weekends from 5 December, and another says 21 November to 21 December. The Hampshire Farmers’ Market is on 20 December.

Hours and entry are not stated. It is the best place to go if you want a gift that has not come off a factory line, and I would choose it over the main market for presents. Because the dates conflict, look at the organisers’ own page before you plan around it.

4 Festive Creative Weekend Market, Hotwalls Studios

The Festive Creative Weekend Market is held at Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth on 28 and 29 November and 5 and 6 December 2026. Creative makers set up in the historic seafront studios. Hours and entry are not stated.

It is small, and I like it for exactly that reason. The setting does a lot of the work, and the two weekends give you a choice if one date falls through. Transport details are not given.

5 Victorian Festival of Christmas, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The Victorian Festival of Christmas takes place at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, but the 2026 dates are not confirmed. A Portsmouth News opinion piece points to the last weekend in November, so keep that in mind but do not book travel until it is announced.

It is ticketed, and I could not find the price. Expect Victorian-themed craft activities, live music, storytelling and Father Christmas in Victorian dress. It suits families and anyone who likes a themed day with history attached. This is the event I would hold out for if you want something different from a standard market.

Which Portsmouth Christmas event should you choose?

If you only have an afternoon, go to Commercial Road for the bratwurst and glühwein, then walk over to Guildhall Square for the ice rink. If you want something more distinctive, choose the Hotwalls weekend or Love Southsea Market for handmade gifts. The Dockyard festival is the one to hold out for if the dates suit you, because it has a clear theme and a real setting.

There is no single big-name market here, and I think it is better to accept that than to expect one. Portsmouth rewards a flexible plan more than a rigid itinerary.

Practical tips for your visit

• Go by public transport, because parking near Commercial Road is limited.
• The Commercial Road switch-on sometimes moves indoors to Cascades Shopping Centre because of wind.
• Check portsmouth.gov.uk for final dates before you travel.
• Look for the Cosham and Southsea switch-ons on 18 and 19 November if you want a quieter lights evening.
• Confirm the dates for Love Southsea Market and the Dockyard festival, because they are the least certain.

Seasonal food and drink

The Commercial Road market is built around bratwurst, glühwein and street food. Vegetarian and vegan choices are plentiful, but gluten-free ones are few, so bring your own snack if you need it.

Christmas markets in Portsmouth: frequently asked questions

Is the Portsmouth Christmas market free?

Yes, entry to the Commercial Road market is free, and it is open from 10am to 6pm daily, except Christmas Day.

How do I get to the market?

By train, to Portsmouth and Southsea station, which is a few minutes from Commercial Road. From London Waterloo the journey takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. Parking is limited, so public transport is advised.

Is there an ice rink?

Yes. Portsmouth on Ice runs from 21 November to 3 January in Guildhall Square, although one listing says 4 January.